Harrowing Incident Involving Mexican Sailors and the Brooklyn Bridge
A shocking video captured the moment when Mexican sailors found themselves in a life-threatening situation as their tall ship collided with the iconic Brooklyn Bridge. The incident resulted in the tragic deaths of two sailors and injuries to 17 others.
The Mexican navy training vessel, Cuauhtémoc, was on its way to Iceland with 277 crew members on board following a goodwill visit to New York City when the collision occurred just before 8:30 p.m. on Saturday night.
Footage of the crash shows sailors standing on the 147-foot masts of the ship as it veered out of control, leading to the catastrophic impact with the bridge. The masts snapped after an apparent mechanical failure, causing the ship to drift in reverse downstream.
Eyewitnesses reported seeing sailors clinging to the rigging ropes on the damaged masts as the chaotic scene unfolded. Emergency crews quickly responded to the situation to ensure the safety of the sailors.
Despite the severity of the collision, no sailors fell into the water, thanks to the swift actions of the rescue teams. The sound of the masts hitting the bridge was likened to the loud snapping of a “big twig” by a witness who captured the moment on video.
The injured sailors were taken to Bellevue Hospital for treatment, where they received immediate medical attention. Mayor Eric Adams expressed gratitude to the first responders for their rapid response in mitigating the impact of the accident.
Following a thorough inspection, it was confirmed that the Brooklyn Bridge sustained no damage and was reopened to the public. The ship, which had been offering tours at the South Street Seaport Museum, was moved to Pier 36 for further examination.
Mexico’s President, Claudia Sheinbaum, expressed deep sadness over the loss of the two crew members and extended condolences to their families. The incident serves as a somber reminder of the risks involved in maritime operations.
